Let The Wind Rise (Sky Fall, #3)(22)

But Vane has other greatness to offer.

He saved me from myself.

Showed me the value in living—the value in who I am.

Even without our connection, I can still feel the strength of that gift.

“He will give our people peace,” I whisper.

“Peace,” Raiden scoffs. “Peace is taken—not given. All I’m asking for is the power to ensure that it happens. Let me rebuild our world the way it was meant to be. Let me give our people true security—a ruler who conquers everything. Even the wind.”

“The wind will never be conquered. And our people don’t want your power. Strong winds have their place, but we all crave the calm.”

“That sounds like a final answer,” Raiden says, turning back to his ravens. “Are you sure that’s what you wish?”

I have to swallow, to make sure my voice is steady as I say, “Yes.”

Raiden sighs as he reaches through the bars to stroke the birds. “I’d hoped you’d turned out smarter than your mother.”

“I did.”

“Perhaps,” Raiden agrees. “I did make her a much better offer. She had a chance to blend her power with mine—and let mine blend with hers.”

His meaning kicks in—but my brain refuses to accept it.

Even when Raiden adds, “She had a chance to be my queen.”





CHAPTER 11


VANE


Solana knows the power of pain.

I guess that’s what I get for trusting my ex.

She was supposed to be the non-psychotic, non-creepy person helping me with this rescue.

“How long have you been using it?” I ask. “Was it before or after Os told us about his new lessons?”

She doesn’t answer, but her eyes tell me all I need to know.

“Unbelievable! So you stood there tied to a tree, pretending to resist the evil new power—and you were already using it?”

“It’s not as simple as that,” she says.

“Yeah it is. And you know what? You’re going home—now. I’m sure Os will be thrilled to have you help with his training.”

I turn and stalk toward the windmill, because we’re in the middle of freaking nowhere and it’s the only place to stalk to.

She catches up with me and grabs my arm.

My bad arm.

“Sorry,” she mumbles when I screech.

I jerk my arm away and succeed in wrenching it even worse.

My parents’ Language Rules go out the window.

“Will you stop for five seconds?” she asks, getting a death grip on my wrist.

I want to keep fighting, but she’s way stronger than she looks.

Plus my elbow has started shooting sonic blasts of pain that hit right in the pit of my stomach.

“Just let me check the bandage,” she says. “And then can we at least talk about this? If you still want me to go afterward . . . I will.”

“I’ll still want you to go,” I promise.

She drops her eyes, but I don’t let myself feel guilty.

She uses the power of pain.

She tries to roll up my sleeve, but the salty ocean and the sand have made the fabric too stiff and crunchy. And since unbuttoning my jacket is a two-hand job, she has to help me.

Our fingers bump eleventy billion times. It gets extra weird when she has to peel off the whole thing—especially since the black tank underneath is so tight that even I want to make fun of it.

Aston whistles. “Well now, someone’s been doing their sit-ups.”

“Don’t make me kick you again,” I warn him.

“I’d love to see you try.”

Solana ignores us, retying my bandage extra tight.

“Uh, are you trying to cut off the feeling in my fingers?” I ask.

“I need to limit your range of motion,” she explains, helping me back into my coat. “If you tear the wound again, we’re going to have to put your arm in a splint.”

“Hey, this was your fault—not mine.”

“I know.” Her eyes move to her hands. “And I know what you must think of me—”

“That you’re even creepier than her?” I interrupt, pointing to where Arella sits. She’s free of Aston’s bonds, but still lost in her own pain, and she keeps scratching at her arms and staring at nothing, like a monkey that’s been in the zoo way too long.

“Even she won’t touch that power, Solana. Think about that.”

“I have,” she says. “I try not to use it. I never wanted to in the first place. But I didn’t have a choice.”

“God—why is that everyone’s excuse all the time?” I ask. “At least when I screw up, I can admit I was an idiot.”

“You’re always an idiot,” Aston says, sidling up to join our conversation. “But this kind of thing doesn’t happen by accident. Our girl here had to choose.”

Solana’s hand moves to her wrist, her fingers tracing the V in the design on her link, which definitely doesn’t help my mood.

“Os was the one who taught me,” she mumbles. “During the last battle, right before you found us in that cave.”

I remember that moment. A Westerly had led me there, screaming about stopping a traitor. Guess there were two traitors I should’ve been worrying about.